ROADTRIP NATION PRESENTS

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The journey begins; the students interview two scientists working on the Island of Hawai'i.

Episode 2: Cross the Ocean, Build Bridges

The road-trippers travel to the island of Maui and visit a humpback whale sanctuary.

Episode 3: Know Where Home Is

The road-trippers reach Oʻahu, their trip’s third and final island destination.

Episode 4: You Can Guide Your Future

After an interview with Governor David Y. Ige, the road trip comes to a close.

Powered by Hawaii’s commitment to both innovation and conservation, some
of the most exciting breakthroughs in the world are taking place in paradise.

Take an excursion through the Hawaiian Islands with Traven, Tehani, and Keakealani,
three college students from Hawaii who share a common goal: to harness their enthusiasm
for the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM), and direct it
towards positively shaping their state’s future. As they explore the global impact
being made in their own backyards, they gradually realize that as long as they remain steered
by their interests and driven by their love for Hawaii, they will never be led astray—no
matter which career path they choose to take.

THERE'S MORE WHERE THIS CAME FROM

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Living on an island can sometimes feel restrictive—but an impactful career knows no bounds.

Hawai‘i has all the tools it needs to succeed in a diverse range of fields—yet, the state’s residents still feel as if their local options are limited, and many young adults are choosing to instead uproot and take their talents to the mainland. That’s why we’re sending three students from Hawai‘i on a road trip across the state to interview professionals working in engaging and impactful jobs throughout a wide array of industries, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. Follow along to see how some of the brightest minds across Hawai‘i are doing their best work on the islands, for the islands.

On the road for...

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Exploring the rugged lava plains of Kona, Hawai'i Island

Glad to have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive on O'ahu!

The Roadtrip Nation jeep engulfed by mist on the peak of Ka'ala, O'ahu

The roadtrippers strike poses on the drive up to the peak of Ka'ala, O'ahu

The roadtrippers jumping for joy on the peak of Ka'ala after volunteering with O'ahu Army Natural Resources Program

FUELED BY:

THE ROADTRIPPERS

KEAKEALANI

TEHANI

TRAVEN

KEAKEALANI

Age 18
From Hilo, Hawai‘i

When Keakealani was in high school, she was chosen to attend an international technology conference—and once she’d interacted with other members of the tech community, her curiosity about the industry was solidified into a lifelong passion. As someone who was raised with a strong focus on tradition, she’s excited to tackle a field that’s constantly looking forward to the future. However, while she wants to indulge her entrepreneurial spirit, there’s a part of her that feels she should focus on settling down and starting a family—values that aren’t always encouraged within the startup world. Now a freshman at Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo, she wants to see how she can use her interests to empower her community, while also staying true to her dreams. She’s ready to take this road trip as an opportunity to remove herself from all outside expectations, and instead see where her heart will guide her.

TEHANI

Age 20
From Haleiwa, O‘ahu

The daughter of a high school biology teacher, Tehani has always been drawn to the sciences. As a senior in high school, she enrolled in a maritime program that taught her how to sail the open ocean using traditional Hawaiian navigational practices—guided only by the wind, sea, and stars. After seeing this custom in practice, she knew her life’s passion would be combining ancestral Hawaiian sciences with contemporary methods and technology. Currently a junior at Whitman College—where she’s majoring in environmental studies and biology—she’s torn between staying in her home state after graduation to work at the local loko i‘a (a community fishpond), or leaving to attend law school in the hopes of affecting change through environmental law. She hopes this journey will introduce her to professionals from both spheres, and provide her with the guidance she needs to confidently navigate this fork in her road.

TRAVEN

Age 22
From Hilo, Hawai‘i

Born on O‘ahu, Traven feels Hawaiian through and through. But after 18 years spent moving around the country, he lost touch with his roots and his Hawaiian mother tongue. Ultimately, most of his upbringing was spent in Homer, Alaska, where an experience volunteering for a nonprofit uncovered his passion for environmental science. But as he grew older, he started to feel something tugging him back towards Hawaii. He decided to return to his home state, where he re-immersed himself in the Hawaiian language and traditions, including the art of hula. Now, as he nears the end of his college experience as an environmental studies major at the University of Hawai‘i, he’s starting to feel the pressure of finding a steady job that he loves—but he hopes this road trip will strip away some of that stress to reveal the potential he has within.

Hawaii’s industries are growing—and so is its global impact. Share your journey to a career in Hawaii and pave the way for others.

If you’re a professional working in Hawaii, inspire young people to explore the possibilities

Hawaii is not only home to a growing number of careers—it’s also where some of the most exciting breakthroughs in the world are taking place. That's why Strada is partnering with the career experts at Roadtrip Nation to highlight the stories of professionals doing impactful work on the islands. Share the story of your career and help young people discover how they can help Hawaii build a better future for us all.